The Rhode Island quarter, the third quarter of
the 2001 series, honors the "Ocean State." Featuring a vintage
sailboat gliding through Rhode Island's famous Narragansett Bay, and an image of
the Pell Bridge in the background, with the design showcasing Rhode Island's
most popular sport—sailing.

With more than 400 miles of coastline, Rhode
Island, the smallest state in the Union, has more than 100 fresh water and salt
water beaches. Known as the "sailing capital" of the world, Rhode
Island was home to the America's Cup for more than 50 years. Narragansett Bay is
crucial to the architecture of Rhode Island. An inlet of the Atlantic Ocean,
extending into eastern Rhode Island, the Bay receives four major rivers, and has
several islands.

Selection of the design began when Governor
Lincoln Almond issued an order authorizing the Rhode Island State Council on the
Arts to organize a Coin Concept Advisory Panel. More than 500 design concepts
were submitted to the panel, and three finalists were chosen. Rhode Island
residents were invited to vote for their favorite design at area libraries, the
Statehouse and via the Internet. The sailboat design was declared the winner,
earning 57 percent of the 34,566 votes cast.